Oscar is the third farm dog here. He is now ten years old, and moving toward retirement. In the past we got a pup when the working dog turned ten; the older dog helped train the younger one. But with Loyal’s older dog here, and my desire to travel, it doesn’t seem right to get a pup Oscar has seen many changes: he lost Ken, his main person, adapted to Loyal and his dog, Pilgrim’s …
Today I finished sorting through old VHS and cassette tapes. It took emotional strength to handle and make decisions about things Ken and I watched and listened to together. Music tends to create a backdrop to my life – songs I listened to in high school, college, while dating Ken, while dancing with Ken. While doing this task I kept humming that song from Damn Yankees – You’ve Gotta Have Heart. “You’ve gotta have heartAll …
Had a magic moment a couple days ago. I picked up the clarinet, warmed up, turned to a page in a song book, and just played the song. I never expected this. A year ago I didn’t know how to read music. Each note was a struggle – ” Oh, that’s a C and how do I play a C?” sort of thing. This was very similar to studying a language. After studying French or …
OK, go ahead. Laugh. But all day long I have been very excited about picking up my repaired clarinet. I keep humming that old Supremes song Back in my Arms Again. I had brought the clarinet to a shop an hour away for repair; the rear register key was stuck. My teacher had tried to oil it and help me, but it was rusted shut – in less than a year since I had it …
It’s around midnight. This ten year old farm dog just treed a small bear. Loyal has secured his hives and I just want to say a good farm do is a real asset. Thanks, Oscar for being on duty 24/7. We appreciate it
This clarinet has been in my life a little over a year now. My dear sister-in-law Anna has loaned it to me; she bought it for her daughter who left it behind when she went to college. How kind and generous of them both! I had no musical training; as a child I had chosen dance classes. With a bum knee and the heartbreak of losing my best ever dance partner I decided I wanted …
This place has been dormant; I have felt like Sleeping Beauty – the vines were growing up around the castle! Last summer Loyal returned for a visit after many years, and we decided to work something out so he can take over here. I have no children. Loyal knew Ken and worked with him and understands the magic of the place. Loyal got some pullets and has them in the mobile coop. He has also …
